TLDR:
- A prominent announcement by Ethereum's co-founder, Vitalik Buterin, regarding sweeping reforms to the Ethereum Foundation (EF), has led to vibrant discussions within the community.
- Konstantin Lomashuk, the mastermind behind Lido, introduced a 'Second Foundation' X profile but emphasized that this entity does not yet exist.
- The Ethereum Foundation has faced pushback over its decisions involving ETH sales and its roadmap focused heavily on rollups.
- Several community voices have come forward in backing Lomashuk as a key player in potentially spearheading a new Ethereum-centric organization.
- Holding sway over approximately 28% of staked ETH, Lido orchestrates the vastest node operation in Ethereum.
Ethereum's architect, Vitalik Buterin, recently detailed his vision for significant modifications within the Ethereum Foundation (EF). A post from January 21 highlighted his belief in Ethereum's decentralized trajectory, positioning the EF as merely a segment of the larger network.
Accompanying the reorganization announcement was the disapproval tied to the foundation's choice to liquidate ETH for covering operational costs. Critics suggested that alternative methods like staking or transaction tapering could have proven more effective for fiscal management.
Buterin fielded critiques surrounding leadership changes, including calls for Executive Director Aya Miyaguchi's resignation. Despite dismissing these demands, he acknowledged personnel tweaks might be necessary while continuing to take charge of leadership decisions within the EF.
Unexpectedly, the landscape shifted when Konstantin Lomashuk from Lido revealed a platform dubbed 'Second Foundation.' This move immediately triggered conjecture on an alternative body aimed at bolstering Ethereum's advancement.
However, Lomashuk soon made it clear that no such organization has come to fruition. In his X post, he stated, 'A legitimate second foundation isn't here yet. Ethereum is this incredible global computer, and every loyal Etherean can contribute to its expansion and ultimate success.'
- Konstantin Lomashuk cyber/acc (@Lomashuk) January 22, 2025
Despite lacking a formal organization, a chorus of influential voices from the Ethereum community expressed optimism about Lomashuk's potential leadership in a prospective Ethereum-focused group. Gabriel Shapiro, the visionary behind MetaLeX Labs, commended Lomashuk as 'an individual of exceptional integrity and a prominent figure in the sphere.'
José Maria Macedo, co-creator of Delphi Labs, advocated Lomashuk's prowess, noting, 'If Vitalik serves as the oracle, then Konstantin is the sovereign. A tactical mind/visionary with profound crypto comprehension who executes tirelessly.'
The talks revolving around a prospective second foundation underscore existing reluctances concerning the perceived grip of centralization within the Ethereum ecosystem. With Lido, Lomashuk’s liquid staking service, operating nearly 28% of Ethereum-staked ETH, it stands as the dominant node in Ethereum’s framework.
Matthew Sigel, who leads digital asset analysis at VanEck, endorsed the necessity for diverse leadership, asserting there is no obligation for EF to monopolize Ethereum's progression.
Over the last year, the foundation has been under mounting pressure to elucidate a more concrete blueprint for Ethereum's prospects, especially with the growth of arrivals like Solana. Criticisms are particularly directed toward the EF's 'rollup-centric' strategy, which prioritizes layer-2 networks to ensure accelerated and more cost-effective transactions.
Stani Kulechov, who helms Avara Labs, pushed for a 'superior, swifter, robust EF blueprint with a concise agenda,' suggesting minimized focus on internal politics and impartiality in favor of rapid technological progress.
Buterin has also responded to social media initiatives by various figures within the community, showing concern over their potential influence on Ethereum’s ethos and capability to retain valuable talent.
In December, Lomashuk had already broached the topic of a 'Second Foundation' on X, depicting it as a mechanism to spur competition among distinct factions and provide the community with options.
Martin Köppelmann, a respected Ethereum developer with ties to Lomashuk, verified the authenticity of the 'Second Foundation' scheme, disclosing that Lomashuk is contemplating it earnestly with aspirations of advancing Ethereum's scalability.
